astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 I'm nearly 30 years old and I'm very, very seriously considering enrolling into a part-time Open University Degree for Psychology with an end goal of obtaining a Masters (or if I do well enough, a ph/psy.D). Currently I'm a full-time software developer. I don't mind it, I'm good at it; it's just not what I want to do with my life. I thought it was, but as it turns out I just like problem solving (and I was already naturally quite gifted with technology). If I go with this I'll be nearly 40 by the time I finish my graduate studies and I'm not entirely sure if this is too old. As it stands now I don't have children because my Wife just finished her Degree last week; she said it's now my turn to decide if I either keep going with programming or learn Psychology. I've always wanted to be a Psychologist, or even a Therapist. Simply because I like to know how and why people think and I truly enjoy helping people. My question is, do you think this is a good idea? I'm perfectly capable of making this decision without the input of this forum, but I'm definitely searching for opinions and there may be some information pertaining to something I haven't thought of yet. Thank you for your suggestions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Evil Overlord Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 I can't see why not, no one's ever really too old if they're willing to learn new things, you'll find something you like through trial and error like everyone does :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrynalyne Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 I just graduated from college at 37. So, IMO? No, you are definitely not too old. Go after your dreams! astropheed 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shiranui Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 30.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrynalyne Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 30.... Not even 30. He is an old chap! :p Co-ords 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praetor Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 I'd say go for it! It's never too late and even if you don't succeed in the new career you always have the experience of the past one and the personal gratification of the new knowledge you acquired. Gladiatorus 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 30.... "nearly"... :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Raze Subscriber² Posted October 25, 2013 Subscriber² Share Posted October 25, 2013 Go for it. I spent the first 20 plus years of my working life in construction services. I went back to school and studied business and human resources. :book: It was hard work, but paid off in more ways than just financially. Give it a go, I doubt you'll regret it, but you will if you don't try. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayhoo Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 Go for it. We all got only one life to live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hum Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 'too Old' is simply a Belief -- follow your heart. :happy: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User6060 Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 what job are you going to get with a psych degree....IMO thats not a good route. you're never too old for more education but I feel like everyone and their grandmother has taken psychology. Do you plan on teaching psychology or being a psychologist? Elliot B. 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 what job are you going to get with a psych degree....IMO thats not a good route. you're never too old for more education but I feel like everyone and their grandmother has taken psychology. Do you plan on teaching psychology or being a psychologist? I plan on being a Psychologist or Therapist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Praetor Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 I plan on being a Psychologist or Therapist. it's gonna be though to get a job without experience in the field at that age, but not impossible; i have a friend of mine that got a Physician degree at the age of 50 or so; the gotcha part in her story is that it's an area that there's always jobs, while in Psychology it isn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+Warwagon MVC Posted October 25, 2013 MVC Share Posted October 25, 2013 Go for it. We all got only one life to live. and so are the days of our lives! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User6060 Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 psych is one of the most popular majors and that makes finding a job with a bachelors harder. a lot of jobs people with a psych degree obtain are not specifically related to psychology but could be had with most social science degrees. if you want to be a therapist you have to continue with your planning and get a masters or doctors. have you considered psychiatry and skip the masters part and get an MD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 it's gonna be though to get a job without experience in the field at that age, but not impossible; i have a friend of mine that got a Physician degree at the age of 50 or so; the gotcha part in her story is that it's an area that there's always jobs, while in Psychology it isn't. This is a possibility although I very well may open my own practice. This is an irrational concern for me as I'll be working full-time as a programmer for the duration of the coursework. If I can't find I job I'll just keep the one I have until I do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 psych is one of the most popular majors and that makes finding a job with a bachelors harder. a lot of jobs people with a psych degree obtain are not specifically related to psychology but could be had with most social science degrees. if you want to be a therapist you have to continue with your planning and get a masters or doctors. have you considered psychiatry and skip the masters part and get an MD I've said from the beginning I'll be getting a Masters or Ph.D. I don't want a Medical Degree nor do I want to do Psychiatry. Besides, my Wife is already a M.D., that's enough for one family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piggy Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 It's your life. I know WAY older people who just started going back to school. With the way the economy is many are heading back to school in order to find new careers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cute James Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 Definitely follow your dreams! If you're keen to pursue a career in psychology, I'd say go for it. You're certainly not an old chap (I'm 32 and have also been considering a change in career path...), and given that you can continue to work as a programmer while studying, there's very little to lose and everything to gain! Best of luck! astropheed 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
incendy Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 Software engineering is way cooler, so no it would be a terrible move :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 Software engineering is way cooler, so no it would be a terrible move :p Heh, well I beg to differ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StandingInAlley Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 Do something which makes you happy? If this does then go ahead. Everything will workout for the best :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nashy Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 I didn't look at your age. The answer is no. If you want something, you can get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vcfan Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 do you only plan to live to 40? 30 is young. if you live till you're 90, you're only 1/3 way there. plenty of time :D Shiranui 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astropheed Veteran Posted October 25, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted October 25, 2013 It's not really about me being 30. I'm well aware I have many years left. It's about time. We'll plan to have a family and buy a large house within the next few years and time is a difficult beast to anticipate. It's more about, am I at an age of responsibility that makes these types of endeavors less than reputable. I will finish what I start, I always do. It's just that I hope I don't kill myself in the process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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